Reclaiming the CEO's Heart

Chapter 16 Making up Her Mind

Avery put on makeup to look better.

Watching the dancing snow outside, Avery wrapped herself up in thick clothes.

After chemotherapy, her body's functions had declined, and she was as fragile as a porcelain doll. Her immune system was much weaker than that of an ordinary person.

Every other day, she had to have a blood test to check the ratio of red and white blood cells. If it fell below a certain value, medication intervention was necessary.

Otherwise, a low immune system could lead to life-threatening fever. Avery couldn't afford to take any risks, so she chose warmth over fashion.

She gently touched the thinning hair on the back of her head, compared to other areas, and carefully put on a black woolen hat.

Nicholas naturally opposed her going out, advising, "Avy, you're not healthy enough to go out yet. Yesterday, I did a blood test for you, and the values have been declining rapidly. As your attending doctor, I must be responsible for your safety."

Avery looked at him with teary eyes and pleaded, "Nic, nobody wants to meet their ex in such terrible conditions. I just want to decently exit his life when my condition isn't so bad yet."

Thinking about the pillow she hid away, Nicholas sighed. "Just make sure you keep warm."

"Getting a divorce certificate won't take long."

"I'll give you a ride."

Avery didn't refuse because she wanted to get a divorce as soon as possible.

In the car, she checked the text messages. The first one was from Isabella, whose ex-boyfriend had come back from abroad and wanted to get back together with her. He even caused a scene at her workplace. She took a long leave to avoid him, which explained her absence these past few days.

Unexpectedly, Jacob had sent her a bunch of messages, threatening her with Martin's life and requiring her prompt reply.

Avery thought he was just in a hurry to get a divorce, so she didn't reply. Soon enough, she would grant his wish.

Lee, the private detective, had done a thorough investigation and sent the findings to Avery.

The information indicated that Martin and Olivia were very close. They spent about one-third of each month together, and surveillance cameras captured multiple instances of him staying overnight at Olivia's apartment and leaving the next day.

On top of that, he had transferred money to Olivia many times and even bought a million-dollar-worth car in her name.

When Avery read this, she felt a sense of unease. The level of care and the amount of money involved had far exceeded ordinary assistance.

When a wealthy middle-aged man cared so much about a girl his daughter's age, it only showed that their relationship wasn't normal.

Her mother had been gone for many years, and her father never remarried. It was normal for him to have certain needs, and Avery never questioned it.

In children's minds, the images of their fathers had always been sacred and dignified. Even if he had to fulfill his physical desires, Avery couldn't imagine him choosing such a young girl. Her father's image seemed to have cracked.

Olivia was dead, and Martin remained unconscious. For the time being, Avery could only assume they had an affair.

Martin had always been tolerant toward others. Moreover, since Olivia was so much younger than him, he should have been more caring instead of having harmed her.

But if her guess was correct, why did Jacob go crazy and seek revenge against her family?

It had only been three days, but Lee had already uncovered so much. He was really capable. After paying a deposit, she asked him to find out the cause of Olivia's death.

After staring at her phone for a while, Avery felt dizzy and overwhelmed by the surveillance footage playing in her mind.

Before seeing those scenes, she had confidently believed that her father was an upright gentleman. But now she couldn't help but question his character.

The city was blanketed in dancing snow, and everything looked pristine. But Avery knew that there was darkness lurking beneath the veil.

The car pulled over to the side of the road. Like a gentleman, Nicholas got out and opened the car door for her.

Avery was feeling slightly better than three days ago, but she still looked frail to him.

"The roads are slippery. Take it slow, and don't fall."

Avery smiled gratefully, "Nic, relax. I'll be careful. I want to live more than anyone else."

She couldn't die until she found out the truth.

Releasing Nicholas's supporting hand, she turned around to face the person in the black car across the street.

Jacob gazed intently at the hand that Nicholas had supported her with. The cold glint in his eye made Avery shiver. She knew all too well how ruthless this man could be.

Even if he hated her, it didn't mean he would let others touch her.

This was why she didn't want to owe Nicholas. Jacob's gaze sent a shiver down her spine, and she quickly said, "Nic, aren't you performing surgery later? I'll take a taxi home after handling the divorce procedures. You can go."

"It's okay. The surgery is in the afternoon, and I'm not comfortable leaving you alone."

Avery became anxious, and her tone went cold. "You're not my family, Nic. Aren't you worried about gossip if you show me so much care?"

"I wouldn't have done these things if I were worried."

"But I am. Nic, even though I no longer have feelings for him, we are not divorced yet. I don't want to be gossiped about, so please don't come to me again. My life and death have nothing to do with you." Avery turned around, giving Nicholas a cold shoulder.

Although Nicholas came from a family of doctors and was renowned in Astrie, he was still insignificant compared to the Hill family. She didn't want Jacob to misunderstand and get his hands on Nicholas. Nicholas felt a tinge of unwillingness as he watched her walk away. But then again, what right did he have to stay by her side?

As he drove away, he noticed a luxury car parked by the roadside. In an instant, he understood everything, and a wry smile crept up on his lips.

He knew very well that Avery still loved that man. She didn't want Jacob to misunderstand, did she?

Nicholas veered the car and drove off.

Inside the black luxury car, Jason felt a shiver down his spine. He didn't dare to look back at all.

Jacob's snort scared him so much that he almost jumped out of the driver's seat. Stammering, he said, "M-Mr. Hill."

"What an eyesore!"

Jason put on a wry face, saying, "I'll get out of the car right now. Maybe I should let my brother drive instead."

John glanced at his spineless brother and bowed to Jacob. "Mr. Hill, I see."

With that, he got out of the car and disappeared into the wind and snow. Jason slapped his head in frustration, finally realizing that Jacob was talking about Nicholas.

In front of the City Hall, Avery anxiously looked at the approaching man.

Dressed in black, he stood out amidst the snow. His handsome face merged with the ice, making Avery inexplicably nervous.

As he neared, a cold voice rang in her ears. "Are you divorcing me because of him?"